Page 18

PATIENCE

P atience opened her eyes to bright sunshine streaming in through her open blinds.

All that sun had to mean the snow had finally stopped.

From her vantage point on the bed, she could see blue sky but couldn’t tell how much the blizzard had dumped by the time it ended.

There had been at least a foot by the time Quinn had brought her home.

Dragging her tired body out of bed, she ambled over to the window and squished the blinds together to look down at the parking lot. “Holy crap, that’s a lot of snow.” If she judged by how far it went up the side of the cars parked below, it was at least two feet.

From the nightstand, her phone beeped with a message. Unplugging it from the charger, Patience saw she had four messages. As exhausted as she’d been, it’s no wonder she missed the notifications.

The first was from Livie letting her know they wouldn’t even try to make it back until Monday.

Theo said it was too dangerous. That made sense.

She’d text her back later. The next was a group text from Pam to all the employees of the Ready Room, letting them know she planned to open at three, and for anyone who couldn’t get there to let her know.

The third was from Felicity, letting her know that she and the baby were fine and would be there for a few more days, and not to worry about having to visit in the snow. Patience was relieved to know they were still okay. It would be hard to get around without her car.

Dammit. Her car.

As far as she knew, it was still stuck in the parking lot of the Ready Room.

Quinn had called his mechanic friend, but who knew if he’d been able to look at it or even tow it to his shop?

Livie didn’t have a car she could borrow, so she was stuck with calling for an Uber or Quinn.

Oh yeah, she could see that conversation going over well.

She snorted just thinking about the look on his face when he saw her number on his phone. Probably something like constipation after the way he carried on about no relationship with her. But wasn't he the one who told her no Uber rides, either? Well, buddy, you can’t have it both ways.

The last message was from Mr. Sunshine himself. She wondered if he’d gotten any sleep at all since he sent it at ten fifteen. He’d probably only been home about two hours. Her earlier glee at bothering him disappeared in a puff of guilt.

He’d been with her all night, first the accident, then Felicity and the hospital, then bringing her back home and, well, she was sure that’s the last thing he wanted a reminder of. Not that she’d be forgetting it anytime soon. She was still sore from taking his monster cock.

Quinn: What time should I pick you up for work?

Patience’s jaw dropped when she read his text. It was the last thing she expected. An update about her car, or Felicity, maybe. But offering her a ride after he’d stormed out of her home. She figured she’d have to play on his softer side, not that she was sure he had one.

After changing his nickname in the text to Mr. Sunshine, because it made her smile, she contemplated her reply.

After the way he’d left yesterday, did he even really want to be anywhere near her?

She could just thank him and tell him she had it covered.

Or ignore his question and just thank him.

Either would probably piss him off. He seemed the type to want a direct answer. Although, that seemed a little rude.

Patience: Good morning. I appreciate the offer, but I can get an Uber.

Mr. Sunshine: No Ubers. What did I say yesterday?

Damn, he was predictable. Still, it had been worth a try.

Patience: Okay, thank you. My shift starts at 5, but Pam said I could go in after 3. Whatever works best for you.

Mr. Sunshine: I’ll be there at 4:30.

Patience: Okay.

She reread the message, then hit send. Time to get her butt up and moving. She needed coffee stat, but first she had to pee. After taking care of her urgent need, she brushed her teeth and made her way downstairs. Livie’s and Pam’s texts could wait until she’d had her caffeine injection.

As Patience waited for her coffee to finish brewing, she gazed out of the kitchen window at the winter wonderland.

The sun making the snow sparkle like diamonds.

The world seemed calmer, quieter, with the blanket of white stuff covering everything.

So peaceful, for now at least. Until everyone got up and started shoveling and driving and it turned into dirty slush.

She appreciated the magical view until the grumble of the last surge of her Keurig drew her attention.

Finally.

Why did it seem like the two minutes it took were more like three years while she waited for her first cup? Before she could answer, her cell vibrated and then played Oasis’ Wonderwall , Livie’s ring tone, from where it sat on the kitchen island.

“Good morning, Livie.”

“Morning? It’s more like lunch time,” Livie said.

Patience could hear Theo’s voice in the background, but not what he was saying. “Yeah, I guess it is. I had a long night.”

“Oh yeah? Spill the tea. Unless you don’t have time.”

She looked at the clock on the microwave. Since she didn’t have to visit Felicity before work, she had some time. “I should make you wait until you’re back.”

“Ugh, please don’t. I probably won’t see you until tomorrow. Theo was checking the road conditions, and he said it’s still not safe enough with me in the car.”

Patience could practically see Livie rolling her eyes. “That’s what you get when you date a protector.”

Livie groaned and giggled. “Yeah, just wait until it’s your turn. Payback’s a beyotch.”

Right. Except that wouldn’t be happening.

Not with Quinn’s no dating rule, besides she didn’t have time for dating, anyway.

She’d be leaving for Africa in a few months to join her parents before starting her residency.

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t hold your breath. I won’t be dating anyone for quite a while. ”

“Aww. Your long night wasn’t with Quinn?”

Patience should have figured that would be Livie’s assumption. Grabbing her coffee mug, she took a sip and headed for the living room. Might as well get comfy for this chat.

“It was, but not entirely like you think.”

“Umm, what the heck does that mean? Entirely? C’mon, Patty, spill it.”

Livie was the only one she let call her that, and only when they were alone. If Theo picked up on it, Patience would kill her.

“Okay, the short version for now. I’ll fill you in on the details when you get home, but not the juicy bits.”

“Wait, juicy bits?”

“Uh, huh.”

“Okay, enough. Stop stalling, or I’ll share your nickname with Theo.”

“You’d better not,” Patience grumbled.

“Don’t worry. You’re safe…for now.” Livie giggled.

“Whatever.” Patience rolled her eyes at the phone, not that her bestie could see her. It was amazing how much Olivia had changed over the last few weeks with Theo, and all for the better. “After my shift last night, Carlene wouldn’t start.”

“Oh no. Had it started snowing yet?”

“Yeah, and are you going to let me finish or keep interrupting?”

“Wow, a little testy today? Fine, I’ve got my lips zipped. Go on.”

Patience smiled. She was more on edge than she should be. Maybe because she’d be seeing Quinn. Ugh, if he thought she was going to let him keep pushing her away, he had another think coming.

“Only about an inch. I was so mad. You know she just went in for her oil change and everything. They said she was in good shape. Anyway, Quinn saw me and came over to help.” Patience expected Livie to interrupt, but other than her indrawn breath, she managed to not ask anything.

“He tried to jump it, but it still wouldn’t start. I was going to call an Uber, but he practically took my head off about getting into a car with a stranger and insisted on driving me home.” For someone who said he didn’t care about her, he sure had a lot of say about her safety.

“The snow had picked up by then, and on our way home we saw a car slide off the road. Quinn made me stay in the car while he checked on her. Turns out the driver was in labor. He’d called it in, but there was no telling how long it would take them to arrive.

So long story short, I delivered my first baby in a blizzard by the side of the road.

Talk about winning the BINGO card this month. ”

“Holy crap, Patience. No kidding. A baby in a snowstorm? This is like one of our romances.”

“Kinda, right? Luckily, the EMTs arrived before I had to cut the cord with Quinn’s knife. Felicity asked me to ride with her and the baby to the hospital. He told me to go ahead, and he’d meet me there.”

“Wow. Like, just O.M.G., woman. Is the baby okay?”

“Yes, she’s fine. Thankfully, she was full term, but had terrible timing. The whole baby daddy thing is a mess, though. That story will have to wait for you to get home.”

“No wonder you said you had a long night. I bet you were at the hospital for a long time.”

“We were, and then Quinn took me home. He insisted on coming inside to check that everything was safe, then he took my virginity and left.”

Livie actually squealed. “Wait, what? He took your virginity. You can’t just gloss over that like it’s nothing.”

“Yes, I can. And will. I’m not sharing those details over the phone or at all. No kiss and tell, remember?”

“Damn. I hate that rule.”

“But you’re the one who made it.” Patience laughed.

“Yeah, but maybe I need to reconsider…”

“Nope, no take backs. Anyway, after all of that I didn’t get to bed until this morning sometime. I’m working this evening. Quinn’s coming to get me sometime later. I haven’t heard yet. He insisted again.”

“Oh, I bet he did. So, are you two a thing now?”

“No. I told you I wasn’t dating. He practically ran out of here after he realized I was a virgin. I’m lucky he didn’t leave in the middle. Let’s just say he was very pissed I’d kept it from him.”

“Can you blame him?”

“No, not really, but it’s my body. If I didn’t care, why should he?” Patience still didn’t quite understand why it had made him mad. “That’s pretty much everything. You’re all caught up. Do you have anything you want to share?”

“Uh huh, I’m not sharing if you’re not. But it was beautiful here, and we had a great time. I’m not sorry we got snowed in and have to stay longer. At least I don’t have to worry about missing any classes.”

“When do you think you’ll be getting back?”

“Theo says tomorrow for sure, unless another freak storm hits tonight. Are you doing all right by yourself?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m used to it, remember?”

“Okay, just be safe. See you tomorrow. Love you, Patty.”

The last part, she whispered, probably so Theo wouldn’t hear. Patience grinned. Livie really was a wonderful friend.

“Love you too, Livie. Say hi to Theo for me.”

“I will. Ciao , bella .”

She sighed as she disconnected the call. It was too quiet without Livie at home. Patience had gotten used to being around her bestie’s exuberance and couldn’t imagine living on her own again.